Conservation workers are flying to the Three Kings Islands, north of Cape Reinga, on Thursday to sow seeds of one of the world's rarest trees.
Goats had eaten all but one specimen of Pennantia Baylissiana by the time it was found on Three Kings in 1945.
A DOC scientist, Peter De Lange, says the tree seemed to be female and doomed for extinction.
But it revealed hidden transgender talents and nurserymen dubbed it Arthur/Martha after seedlings from cuttings produced one plant with male flowers - and viable seed.
Dr de Lange says the plant's comeback is the botanical equivalent of the saving of the Black Robin.
DoC workers will plant 1600 seeds of Kaikomako on the islands.
